Robert Bruce

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

Meanwhile, the English under Edward II continued to give battle, but Bruce won more than he lost, taking back the strongholds of Scotland one by one.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

The upshot was a long period of warfare, both amongst the Scots and with England, lasting until the 1320s.

The following year, he ratified the Treaty of Northampton (as had the Scots) recognizing Robert the Bruce as King of Scots and Scotland as a free and independent realm.

(Ironically, Balliol died in 1314 - the year of Bannockburn.)

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

William Wallace and the Earl of Moray rose up armies against Edward I and gained a rousing victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

William Wallace and Robert Bruce are Scotland's two greatest national heroes - Wallace for instilling the flame of freedom in the hearts of his countrymen, and Bruce for making that freedom a reality.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

King Robert I died on June 7, 1329.

Excommunicated and under attack almost immediately by the Earl of Pembroke, Bruce fled to the highlands (as so many have done).

The Scots decimated the English troops as they began crossing the small stream ("burn") named Bannock.

He fled to Scone and had himself crowned on March 25, 1306.

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

Excommunicated and under attack almost immediately by the Earl of Pembroke, Bruce fled to the highlands (as so many have done).

The two best claimants were John Balliol and Robert "the Competitor" Bruce (our Robert's grandfather).

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

William Wallace and the Earl of Moray rose up armies against Edward I and gained a rousing victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

Though Moray died and Wallace lost at Falkirk, forcing him into hiding, the Scots continued to rebel against English rule and small skirmishes and guerilla warfare continued unabated.

Meanwhile, his brother Edward and great ally and friend James Douglas (the "Black Douglas") took control of southwest Scotland.

His cause seemed absolutely hopeless - not only was Edward I completely enraged by the audacity of "King Hob" as he called him, but Bruce had very little initial support among the Scots.

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

In 1399, at a meeting in Selkirk Forest, the Comyn physically attacked Bruce who almost died in the ensuing fight.

At this point, Edward I attempted direct rule of Scotland, installing his own men in all the leadership positions.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

The following year, he ratified the Treaty of Northampton (as had the Scots) recognizing Robert the Bruce as King of Scots and Scotland as a free and independent realm.

Meanwhile, his brother Edward and great ally and friend James Douglas (the "Black Douglas") took control of southwest Scotland.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

William Wallace and Robert Bruce are Scotland's two greatest national heroes - Wallace for instilling the flame of freedom in the hearts of his countrymen, and Bruce for making that freedom a reality.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

Bruce resigned his guardianship in 1300, paying fealty to Edward I in 1302 (a very temporary measure).

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

Excommunicated and under attack almost immediately by the Earl of Pembroke, Bruce fled to the highlands (as so many have done).

We can only sympathize with Robert Bruce's wavering and indecision through these dangerous years.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

It was during this time that Edward I stole the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone) and took it London.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

To avoid charges of murder and sacrilege, his figured his best bet was to have himself crowned king.

Meanwhile, the English under Edward II continued to give battle, but Bruce won more than he lost, taking back the strongholds of Scotland one by one.

Six days later the pope issued a bull permitting the crowning of a King of Scots (acknowledging Scotland's sovereignty) and the crown duly passed to David, Robert's young son.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

To avoid charges of murder and sacrilege, his figured his best bet was to have himself crowned king.

We can only sympathize with Robert Bruce's wavering and indecision through these dangerous years.

The garrison agreed to surrender if they were not relieved by the English before midsummer.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

By now, Robert Bruce had won the hearts and minds of his countrymen and had proved himself a wise tactician and brave war leader.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

The Battle of Bannockburn was the greatest victory in all of Scotland's history and ensured the continuance of the Scottish nation for three hundred years.

The two best claimants were John Balliol and Robert "the Competitor" Bruce (our Robert's grandfather).

In 1399, at a meeting in Selkirk Forest, the Comyn physically attacked Bruce who almost died in the ensuing fight.

This period is known as the Wars of Independence.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

To avoid charges of murder and sacrilege, his figured his best bet was to have himself crowned king.

Though Moray died and Wallace lost at Falkirk, forcing him into hiding, the Scots continued to rebel against English rule and small skirmishes and guerilla warfare continued unabated.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

At this point, Edward I attempted direct rule of Scotland, installing his own men in all the leadership positions.

Meanwhile, the English under Edward II continued to give battle, but Bruce won more than he lost, taking back the strongholds of Scotland one by one.

The upshot was a long period of warfare, both amongst the Scots and with England, lasting until the 1320s.

During these years, Scotland's leadership was initially divided between Robert Bruce (our Robert) and John Comyn (the Red Comyn), but the two of them despised each other.

He also found allies in Mar and Ross and beat the Comyn (the son) at Inverurie.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

Here is where fate steps in and forces the decision.

Meanwhile, his brother Edward and great ally and friend James Douglas (the "Black Douglas") took control of southwest Scotland.

Edward I underestimated the loathing the Scottish people felt for him and for English rule.

William Wallace and the Earl of Moray rose up armies against Edward I and gained a rousing victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

Later, Bruce's father gave up his Scottish holdings and titles (Carrick), and retired to his lands in England.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

Once the north was secure, he turned west and subjected the MacDougalls, taking their castle at Dunstaffnage.

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

In 1399, at a meeting in Selkirk Forest, the Comyn physically attacked Bruce who almost died in the ensuing fight.

Many believe he took the wrong stone, and that the location of the real stone was (and is) a closely guarded secret.

He also found allies in Mar and Ross and beat the Comyn (the son) at Inverurie.

His cause seemed absolutely hopeless - not only was Edward I completely enraged by the audacity of "King Hob" as he called him, but Bruce had very little initial support among the Scots.

The two best claimants were John Balliol and Robert "the Competitor" Bruce (our Robert's grandfather).

Bruce was failing now.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

Though Moray died and Wallace lost at Falkirk, forcing him into hiding, the Scots continued to rebel against English rule and small skirmishes and guerilla warfare continued unabated.

(Ironically, Balliol died in 1314 - the year of Bannockburn.)

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

During these years, Scotland's leadership was initially divided between Robert Bruce (our Robert) and John Comyn (the Red Comyn), but the two of them despised each other.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

He was also contemptous of what their armies could accomplish without royal leadership.

The Battle of Bannockburn was the greatest victory in all of Scotland's history and ensured the continuance of the Scottish nation for three hundred years.

Meanwhile, the English under Edward II continued to give battle, but Bruce won more than he lost, taking back the strongholds of Scotland one by one.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

He also found allies in Mar and Ross and beat the Comyn (the son) at Inverurie.

The Battle of Bannockburn was the greatest victory in all of Scotland's history and ensured the continuance of the Scottish nation for three hundred years.

When Edward II came with an army to relieve Stirling, Bruce and his men were ready.

The Scots decimated the English troops as they began crossing the small stream ("burn") named Bannock.

Six days later the pope issued a bull permitting the crowning of a King of Scots (acknowledging Scotland's sovereignty) and the crown duly passed to David, Robert's young son.

Bruce resigned his guardianship in 1300, paying fealty to Edward I in 1302 (a very temporary measure).

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

The Scots retrieved the stone Edward I had taken in 1996.

At this point, Edward I attempted direct rule of Scotland, installing his own men in all the leadership positions.

Robert was left to head his family (he was the eldest of nine, many of whom gave their lives in his cause and all of whom supported him).

Douglas did so, falling in battle against the Moors in Spain.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

Meanwhile, his brother Edward and great ally and friend James Douglas (the "Black Douglas") took control of southwest Scotland.

At this point, Edward I attempted direct rule of Scotland, installing his own men in all the leadership positions.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

The two best claimants were John Balliol and Robert "the Competitor" Bruce (our Robert's grandfather).

Later, Bruce's father gave up his Scottish holdings and titles (Carrick), and retired to his lands in England.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

Once the north was secure, he turned west and subjected the MacDougalls, taking their castle at Dunstaffnage.

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

Meanwhile, the English under Edward II continued to give battle, but Bruce won more than he lost, taking back the strongholds of Scotland one by one.

During these years, Scotland's leadership was initially divided between Robert Bruce (our Robert) and John Comyn (the Red Comyn), but the two of them despised each other.

His grandfather had died, and his father had fled the conflict by moving to Norway with one of his daughters.

Many believe he took the wrong stone, and that the location of the real stone was (and is) a closely guarded secret.

Just when things were looking bleakest, Bruce managed a resounding victory over Pembroke at Loudon Hill and, of greater import, the great enemy Edward I died.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

Douglas did so, falling in battle against the Moors in Spain.

This period is known as the Wars of Independence.

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

Reconciled with the church, he gathered his friends and family around him, requesting Douglas to take his heart on the crusade he was never able to make.

During these years, Scotland's leadership was initially divided between Robert Bruce (our Robert) and John Comyn (the Red Comyn), but the two of them despised each other.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

Later, Bruce's father gave up his Scottish holdings and titles (Carrick), and retired to his lands in England.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

Douglas did so, falling in battle against the Moors in Spain.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

His grandfather had died, and his father had fled the conflict by moving to Norway with one of his daughters.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

William Wallace and the Earl of Moray rose up armies against Edward I and gained a rousing victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

Six days later the pope issued a bull permitting the crowning of a King of Scots (acknowledging Scotland's sovereignty) and the crown duly passed to David, Robert's young son.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

King Robert I died on June 7, 1329.

Once the north was secure, he turned west and subjected the MacDougalls, taking their castle at Dunstaffnage.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

His grandfather had died, and his father had fled the conflict by moving to Norway with one of his daughters.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

He fled to Scone and had himself crowned on March 25, 1306.

The years 1306 and 1307 were terrible and grievous.

Later, Bruce's father gave up his Scottish holdings and titles (Carrick), and retired to his lands in England.

Here is where fate steps in and forces the decision.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

By now, Robert Bruce had won the hearts and minds of his countrymen and had proved himself a wise tactician and brave war leader.

There is no doubt that Balliol's claim was strongest, but Edward I also realized King John was a weak man and expected to rule Scotland through him.

Later, Bruce's father gave up his Scottish holdings and titles (Carrick), and retired to his lands in England.

Though Moray died and Wallace lost at Falkirk, forcing him into hiding, the Scots continued to rebel against English rule and small skirmishes and guerilla warfare continued unabated.

Robert was left to head his family (he was the eldest of nine, many of whom gave their lives in his cause and all of whom supported him).

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

Though Moray died and Wallace lost at Falkirk, forcing him into hiding, the Scots continued to rebel against English rule and small skirmishes and guerilla warfare continued unabated.

Balliol ruled (in a manner of speaking) from 1292 through 1296, finally having the courage to renounce his fealty to Edward I. He and his son were taken to England, but eventually allowed to retire to France, and retire from our story.

Many believe he took the wrong stone, and that the location of the real stone was (and is) a closely guarded secret.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

Once the north was secure, he turned west and subjected the MacDougalls, taking their castle at Dunstaffnage.

In 1399, at a meeting in Selkirk Forest, the Comyn physically attacked Bruce who almost died in the ensuing fight.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

The biography of Scotland's Robert Bruce begs the question: Do the tides of history force certain men into greatness, or is greatness forged within their hearts and executed through their will?

The Scots asked Edward I to choose amongst the claimants and he picked John Balliol.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

Meanwhile, his brother Edward and great ally and friend James Douglas (the "Black Douglas") took control of southwest Scotland.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

Robert Bruce's hot temper and loathing for the Comyn got the best of him, and Robert murdered his rival - and in a church to boot.

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

His grandfather had died, and his father had fled the conflict by moving to Norway with one of his daughters.

The Scots decimated the English troops as they began crossing the small stream ("burn") named Bannock.

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.

He alone had to decide - stay and fight the English, remove himself from the conflict by leaving Scotland, or go for broke and aim for the highest prize of all?

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

Just when things were looking bleakest, Bruce managed a resounding victory over Pembroke at Loudon Hill and, of greater import, the great enemy Edward I died.

Many believe he took the wrong stone, and that the location of the real stone was (and is) a closely guarded secret.

He also found allies in Mar and Ross and beat the Comyn (the son) at Inverurie.

Just when things were looking bleakest, Bruce managed a resounding victory over Pembroke at Loudon Hill and, of greater import, the great enemy Edward I died.

The de Brus family held lands in the southwest of Scotland, their ancestry being Celtic, but their land grants and titles (Bruce was the Earl of Carrick) following in the wake of the Norman conquest - providing them with lands in both Scotland and England and thereby producing hard choices for the Bruces at the time of the Interregnum.

The Scots asked Edward I to choose amongst the claimants and he picked John Balliol.

If you are a believer, Bruce's history is one that surely shows how evil can be used for good and providence holds the hands of freedom seekers everywhere.

Many believe he took the wrong stone, and that the location of the real stone was (and is) a closely guarded secret.

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

To be as brief as possible: In 1290, Scotland's young queen, the Maid of Norway, died without having ever stepped foot on Scottish soil, throwing Scotland into disarray as no fewer than 13 men made claim to the throne.

To avoid charges of murder and sacrilege, his figured his best bet was to have himself crowned king.

In 1399, at a meeting in Selkirk Forest, the Comyn physically attacked Bruce who almost died in the ensuing fight.

Bruce was failing now.

The two best claimants were John Balliol and Robert "the Competitor" Bruce (our Robert's grandfather).

At this time, Edward I was king of England - a very able and ruthless king - and he naturally sought to take advantage of the situation to bring Scotland under English suzerainty.

Here is where fate steps in and forces the decision.

The Scots decimated the English troops as they began crossing the small stream ("burn") named Bannock.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

The tide had turned and Robert Bruce set about securing Scotland for himself, with the help of his loyal friend Angus Og, progenitor of the great MacDonald clan (Lords of the Isles).

It was during this time that Edward I stole the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone) and took it London.

His wife and daughter were captured, three of his brothers killed, and he himself had a series of narrow escapes as he moved about the highlands trying to bring together an effective fighting force.

Worn out by troubles at home, Edward II signed a treaty in 1323 that was to last for 13 years.

However, time was on the side of the Scots and when Edward died, his son Edward III decided to begin his own campaign against the Scots - nearly being captured in his bed before accomplishing anything.